On today’s episode of the Kenai Conversation, we’re joined by Soldotna Republican Rep. Justin Ruffridge to talk about his work on Alaska’s Joint Legislative Task Force on Education Funding, and a group of draft recommendations that task force published this week.

About 42% of visitors used the elevated walking track, which department staff say is the facility’s most popular component.

Soldotna's Parks and Recreation Department says more than 19,000 people have visited the Soldotna Field House since it opened last summer. Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Mary Peltola widens her lead over Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan after more ballots are counted. Plus, Alaskans reflect on a 48-star American flag and the legacy of WWII in Unalaska.

City Manager Janette Bower penned the ordinance, which she said would help curb behavior that disrupts city services or threatens public safety. She now says those are rules the city can implement and enforce without council permission.

Soldotna City Council members kill a proposed trespassing policy for city facilities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announces a program to give one-time payments to American farmers and fishermen. Plus, optimism spikes around the number of Indigenous voters who cast ballots in Alaska's General Election.

Enstar Natural Gas inks a gas supply agreement with Matanuska Electric Association and Hilcorp. Seafood harvesting jobs increased in Alaska last year. Plus, people in Fairbanks work to stretch fuel amid price spikes.

Results are still preliminary and unofficial. The results so far do not include all absentee and early votes. The Alaska Division of Elections plans to publish more results on Nov. 10 and to certify the election by Nov. 25.

Early election results show central Kenai Peninsula voters favor repealing ranked-choice voting, but statewide voters are leaning the other way. Alaska voters fire two Kenai judges per the recommendation of a state review group. Plus, moms and pregnant women face barriers to addiction treatment in Alaska.

Early local election results are in. As national Democrats celebrate victories around the country, Kenai Peninsula voters show the region remains solidly red. Plus, a New York Times report reveals details of a Russian company's efforts to export liquefied natural gas from Alaska's North Slope.

Early General Election results show central Kenai Peninsula precincts went overwhelmingly to incumbents U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich, and gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson – all Republicans.